Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Introduction

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is priced between Rs 2.06 lakhs and Rs 2.22 lakhs, and comes in 3 petrol variants: Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. With 10 attractive colour options, the bike sports a set of modern tech features like Engine Kill Switch, Fuel Warning Indicator, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, Pass Light and Low Oil Indicator. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 also comes with a 349.0cc engine and a mileage of 41.9 km/L. 

How is the design? 

The premier cruiser, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, shares the same design with the original Thunderbird 359, in terms of the bike’s original silhouette. The only difference in the new model is the new colour options as well as the revamped tail-lamp portion. There has been a significant improvement in the finishing and fit, and Royal Enfield even integrates superior quality body parts. The new tapered hand grips and rotary switches brings a retorques vibe, however, it would take some time for the riders before they become used to the pass switch. The top variant, Supernova, features a windscreen and standard pillion backrest and is accompanied by an attractive design. However, the tail section of the bike appears to be a little out of place including the rear fender and the tail lamp. 

How is the performance?

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 comes with a brand-new twin-cradle frame which is used for underpinnings, and it is powered by a 4-stroke, single cylinder, SOHC mill that produces a whopping maximum power of 20.2bhp at 6100rpm, along with a peak torque of 27Nm at 4000rpm. The conventional pushrod design on the previous Royal Enfield engines has been replaced by the new motor. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 now features an overhead camshaft, along with a primary balancer shaft, enabling higher refinement while taking turns and higher revs as well. A 5-speed gear has been integrated in the bike’s engine for ensuring hassle-free and convenient gear shifting, which was not common to its previous models. The bike’s kerb weight being 183Kg, still lighter than Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350, and the wheelbase of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is comparatively longer, ensuring enhanced straight-line stability. 

How does the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 ride?

While riding, the riders are able to get a brand-new feeling with the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. The bike’s refinement levels are impressive and there is no clattering with the engine at all. While city cruising, the revs of the engine feel super smooth and free. The 2-valve air-cooled engine brings more refinement to the bike and sheer engineering excellence has reduced vibrations, promising seamless riding experience to the rider. The bike comes with accurate and crisp throttle responses and this is accompanied by top notch fuelling and therefore, the bike exhibits fabulous responses even when driven at a speed lower than 60Kmph. It rides in a more sprightly and eager fashion. 

How comfortable is the Royal Enfield Meteor 350? 

The riding position of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is typical of a regular cruiser, and the seat height of the bike is lower compared to its previous model Thunderbird 350, however, the foot pegs are forward set, leading to a slightly difficult and tight riding position and stance. Therefore, this is an ergonomic issue, which means the new position does not come with the same comfort offered by its predecessor, the Thunderbird models, especially the first-generation bikes. For long rides, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 delivers a good riding experience, however, there is something about the ergonomics that need improvement. The rear suspension of the bike is positioned on the stiffer side along with the cradle chassis, making the vehicle surer footed and planted, especially while taking a curve or riding around the corner. 

How's the tech? 

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 features a symmetric twin pod instrument console. There is an analogue speedometer on the bigger dial, and the LCD cluster on the bike features trip metre, fuel gauge, odometer, clock, as well as a gear-position indicator read-out. The smaller pod in the right comes with a large clock read out that also functions as the ‘turn-by-turn’ navigation display as well. The bike also comes with the “Royal Enfield Tripper App”, which offers Bluetooth connectivity to the users. The bike’s navigation functions smoothly, and creating ride events is among the other tech features. To personalise the bike models, there is a customisation feature, “Make it Yours”. 

How's the mileage of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350? 

As claimed by the company itself, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 offers a mileage of 41.9 kmpl, which is believed to be a decent fuel economy at its price. 

Is the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 good value for money? 

The value for money proposition of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is at the bike’s price point. For starters, the bike offers its users with ample brand value with impressive road presence in tandem as well as ample engine power and improved refinement. As a cruiser, it functions accurately, and the fuel economy is decent and the bike is equipped with exciting features like navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. 

How is the after sales service? 

It has already been claimed by Royal Enfield itself that the bike would be much cheaper and easier to maintain, as compared with its predecessors. The first service of the bike is offered at 6 months, or 5000 km, whichever is earlier, and the second service is offered at 6 months, or 10,000 km, whichever is earlier. 

Which motorbikes compete in this segment? 

The other motorbikes competing in the segment include Jawa and Benelli Imperiale 400, Honda H’Ness CB350, Honda CB 350RS, Jawa Forty-Two, Jawa Perak and so on. 

Verdict (Value for money)

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has an impressive road presence, which makes the bike appealing to its audience. Moreover, it exhibits a decent performance while driven for daily commuting and long rides as well. It offers smooth riding experience to the riders and overall, increases the satisfaction of the riders.